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Best Southern American Restaurants in Charlottesville

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Charlottesville

Neighborhoods

Charlottesville

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

18 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Public Fish & Oyster restaurant

1. Public Fish & Oyster

4.9

Exceptional(2655)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Charlottesville

Booked 37 times today

Public Fish & Oyster in Charlottesville offers a sublime Contemporary American dining experience that stands out for its dedication to freshness and authenticity. Their seafood dishes are celebrated in glowing reviews, with diners lauding the "creative menu" and "great presentation." The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in every bite, from the "delicious oysters and crab cakes to die for" to the "outstanding shrimp cocktail." Guests appreciate the lively yet welcoming atmosphere, as well as the consistently "excellent service" provided by the staff. If you're seeking an unforgettable dining experience with top-tier seafood, Public Fish & Oyster is a must-visit gem.

A photo of Hamiltons' At First & Main restaurant

2. Hamiltons' At First & Main

4.8

Exceptional(2360)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Charlottesville

Booked 8 times today

Hamiltons' At First & Main in Charlottesville offers a delightful American dining experience that stands out for its "simply outstanding" cuisine and impeccable service. Nestled in the heart of the Downtown district, this contemporary fine dining spot is perfect for both a casual lunch or a romantic evening. The restaurant's menu, featuring "out-of-this-world" dishes like crab cakes and shrimp and grits, exemplifies the rich flavors and traditions of American cuisine. Guests rave about the "lovely ambience" and the attention to detail from the friendly staff, making it a must-visit for those seeking authentic American flavors in a vibrant setting.

A photo of Black Cow Chophouse restaurant

3. Black Cow Chophouse

4.9

Exceptional(519)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Charlottesville

Booked 24 times today

Black Cow Chophouse in Charlottesville is a shining example of authentic American cuisine, offering a "top-notch" dining experience that highlights quality and tradition. Renowned for its extensive selection of both dry-aged and non-dry-aged steaks, this chophouse sources premium beef locally and nationally, ensuring a "rich and meaty" flavor that diners rave about. Guests consistently praise the expertly cooked steaks, describing them as "cooked to perfection" with a "lovely sear." The restaurant's ambiance, coupled with an exceptional service team, makes it an ideal spot for both casual dinners and special occasions. A visit promises an unforgettable taste of true American gastronomy.

A photo of The Conservatory restaurant

4. The Conservatory

4.2

Awesome(13)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Charlottesville

Booked 2 times today

Inspired by the comforts, legacy, and bounty of the region. Experience a new restaurant and bar concept, specializing in innovative cocktails and small shareable plates flavored by local cuisine. Guests are encouraged to unwind by the patio firepit, sip drinks at the bar, and socialize at leisure throughout the open concept space

A photo of Rapture restaurant

5. Rapture

4.6

Exceptional(225)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Charlottesville

Rapture in Charlottesville is a culinary gem offering exceptional Contemporary American cuisine that beautifully melds farm-to-table Southern flavors in a vibrant atmosphere. Diners rave about the "delicious food" and "excellent service," with standout dishes like the Southwest steak salad and the Cuban sandwich receiving high praise. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in every bite, from the "well-seasoned, light and fluffy" omelets to the "crispy and full of flavor" bacon. The relaxed yet swanky setting, complete with outdoor dining and live music, enhances the dining experience, making Rapture a must-visit spot for those seeking authentic and memorable meals.

A photo of Hillock Neighborhood Kitchen restaurant

6. Hillock Neighborhood Kitchen

3.7

Very Good(10)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Charlottesville

Booked 2 times today

Hillock Neighborhood Kitchen offers Breakfast and Lunch in a casual restaurant overlooking Charlottesville's Downtown Pedestrian Mall. Our outdoor patio is a perfect place for seasonal outdoor dining!- Breakfast and Lunch- Complimentary Omni Hotel parking

A photo of C&O restaurant

7. C&O

4.9

Exceptional(869)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Charlottesville

Booked 28 times today

Nestled in the heart of Charlottesville, C&O is a premier destination for authentic Farm-to-table cuisine, consistently praised for its "phenomenal food, drinks, and surroundings." With a menu that showcases expertly-prepared dishes like lamb and scallops that are "flavorful and cooked to perfection," C&O ensures that every ingredient is celebrated for its freshness and quality. The charming ambiance, described as "old mountain cabin meets speakeasy," complements the dining experience, making it perfect for special occasions. Reviewers rave about the attentive and professional service, with one calling it "a must-visit" for its extraordinary food and atmosphere. C&O stands out as a cherished gem in Charlottesville.

A photo of The Local restaurant

8. The Local

4.5

Awesome(2551)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Charlottesville

Booked 40 times today

The Local in Charlottesville is a haven for Comfort Food enthusiasts, offering an extraordinary culinary experience that truly captures the essence of homestyle cooking with an elevated flair. Diners rave about the "crispiest, juiciest fried chicken" and the "flavor-packed Gnocchi Bolognese," which are described as reminiscent of dishes from "your grandmother's kitchen." The commitment to using fresh, local ingredients shines through in every bite, making each meal feel authentic and satisfying. The ambiance is warm and inviting, complemented by attentive service, which makes every visit memorable. Whether you're indulging in the meatloaf or savoring a brownie sundae, The Local promises a delightful comfort food experience that keeps diners coming back for more.

A photo of Maya restaurant

9. Maya

4.7

Exceptional(1529)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Charlottesville

Booked 20 times today

Nestled in the heart of Charlottesville's vibrant Midtown, Maya stands out as a beacon of exquisite Contemporary American cuisine. This charming eatery delights guests with its "made from scratch" menu, paying homage to the Old Southern Kitchen while infusing it with a modern twist. Patrons rave about the "creative drinks and outstanding service" that complement the delightful dishes, from the succulent pork belly appetizer to the perfectly cooked NY strip. Maya’s dedication to "comfort food" with a contemporary flair ensures an unforgettable dining experience, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic and innovative American flavors.

A photo of The Ivy Inn Restaurant restaurant

10. The Ivy Inn Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(3871)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Charlottesville

Booked 24 times today

Nestled in Charlottesville, The Ivy Inn Restaurant is a beacon of authentic American cuisine, celebrated for its seasonal and locally-sourced dishes. Diners rave about the "creative & outstanding" meals, which highlight the region's freshest ingredients. The restaurant's historic ambiance adds a charming touch to the dining experience, making it a perfect setting for special occasions. Patrons consistently commend the "impeccable" service and the expertly prepared dishes, from tender Texas short ribs to exquisite homemade pasta. The Ivy Inn's commitment to quality and authenticity ensures every visit is a memorable culinary journey, making it a must-visit destination for true American flavors.

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‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

From verified diners like you

S
Sarah
Washington, D.C. Area •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
As always, menu has great variety and food is terrific. Wonderful service from start to finish.
More info
The RidleyPrice: Moderate• Southern• Charlottesville
•
4
K
Kelly
Virginia •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Prefix menu was delicious, a little pricey though.
More info
MayaPrice: Expensive• Southern• Charlottesville
•
4.7
A
AdamVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Valentine's Day Tasting Menu Event was Magnificent. Chef Zack Andrews and his staff have outdone themselves again in 2025 with this special six-course meal. The wine pairings sparkle as Spoon & Spindle sets a romantic scene for their guests.
More info
Spoon & SpindlePrice: Expensive• Southern• Orange
•
4.9
J
James
Virginia •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jan 21, 2025
Had a reservation for 3 at 6pm. We were seated a few minutes early and had our appetizers within 10 minutes of being in the building. Our Entrees also arrived in a very timely manner, and everything was delicious.
More info
RapturePrice: Moderate• Southern• Charlottesville
•
4.6
T
TomVIP
Virginia •64 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 1, 2024
Overall, five star. Nitpicks: we both had surf and turf. Wife’s steak was overcooked, more than requested medium rare. They offered to replace it but that would be wasteful. Accompanying shrimp were peel and eat which was unexpected. Otherwise, no complaints. We would go again if in the area. The inn was a great place to stay.
More info
Lafayette Inn & RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Southern• Stanardsville
•
4.4

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